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DRESSING UP A SHELF Plugged Screws Screws are a great way to attach lippings, especially when you’re on the job or can’t easily get to the work with clamps. To conceal the screw holes, fill them with wooden plugs. And if you’re careful with the way you make and install the plugs, the joint will virtually disappear. A B Countersink and counterbore the screw hole in the lipping in one step with a counterbore/ countersink bit on the drill press. In this example, I’ve spaced the screw holes about 5 in. apart; for wider lippings you can use fewer screws (A). Drill pilot holes into the panel by drilling through the edging as you hold it in position. Then apply glue to the panel and lipping, and screw the lipping to the panel (B). C D Spread glue on the plugs and tap them into the counterbored holes. Mark the plugs to help orient them with the grain direction of the lipping (C). Remove most of the excess plug by tapping across it with a chisel and a mallet. Then carefully pare the plug flush to the lipping by hand (D). Finish up by planing the entire edging with a finely set handplane (E). E 76 Shelves